Pope says it's OK to spank your kids

The Pope says it's ok to discipline your kids by smacking, saying a good father is firm but not discouraging when correcting a child.

Pope Francis salutes children of the Anak-Tnk Foundation, which helps those living in the slums in Manila's Intramuros district, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, Pool)

The Pope says it's OK to spank your children - as long as their dignity is maintained.

The Pope made the remarks this week during his weekly general audience, which was devoted to the role of fathers in the family.

He outlined the traits of a good father: one who forgives but is able to "correct with firmness" while not discouraging the child.

"One time, I heard a father in a meeting with married couples say 'I sometimes have to smack my children a bit, but never in the face so as to not humiliate them'."

"How beautiful!" the Pope remarked.

"He knows the sense of dignity! He has to punish them but does it justly and moves on."

Emails seeking comment from the Vatican on Thursday were not immediately returned.